Multipurpose brush with ergonomic handle

ABSTRACT

An ergonomic handle for a multipurpose brush includes a gripping surface having a series of protrusions along a rear surface of the handle, a thumb recess formed along a front side of the handle and first and second opposed lateral recesses extending along sides of the proximal segment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/322,477, entitled “Multipurpose Brush”, filed Dec. 19, 2002,which is currently pending

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a multipurpose brush having an ergonomic handleso as to provide for improved functionality. More particularly, theinvention relates to a multipurpose brush having an ergonomic handlepermitting gripping by either hand and complete support of brushregardless of the orientation of the brush.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Many brushes have been developed over the years for addressing thecleaning concerns of individuals. However, most brushes are made for usein a single orientation and are not adapted for proper handling when thebrush is used in an alternate orientation. As such, a need exists for aneffective, easy to use multipurpose brush adapted for cleaning the widerange of surfaces in a variety of orientations. The present brushaddresses this ongoing problem by providing a brush offering a pluralityof cleaning surfaces and an ergonomic handle optimized to effectivelyhelp an individual clean the many different surfaces found in a commonhousehold bathroom or kitchen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide anergonomic handle for a multipurpose brush. The handle includes agripping surface having a series of protrusions along a rear surface ofthe handle, a thumb recess formed along a front side of the handle andfirst and second opposed lateral recesses extending along sides of theproximal segment.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when viewed inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certainembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present brush.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view along the line 2-2 as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view along the line 3-3 as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the presentbrush.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the brush along line 5-5 as shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view along the line 6-6 as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a detailed side view of a handle having an ergonomic grip inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the brush with the ergonomic grip shownin FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view along the line 3-3 in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 10 through 13 show various ways in which the ergonomic grip shownin FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 may be used and held.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a set of brushes in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary view showing the range of brush anglescontemplated in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side view of an alternate embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a brush employing a pivotalconnection between the brush head and the handle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein.It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpretedas limited, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis forteaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a multipurpose brush 10 is disclosed.The brush 10 generally includes a brush head 12 and a handle 14 coupledto and extending from the brush head 12. The brush head 12 is configuredso as to allow for the use of the present brush 10 in a variety oforientations and for a variety of purposes without necessitating thatthe user unduly exert himself or herself. Thereby, the present bush(es)has been designed to minimize extreme and/or awkward body positioningtypically required of the users of currently available brushes.

In accordance with alternate embodiments, and as respectively shown inFIGS. 17 and 2, the brush head 12′ may be connected to the handle 14′ soas to permit rotational movement therebetween (see FIG. 17) or tofixedly hold the brush head 12 relative to the handle 14 (see FIG. 2).In accordance with the rotating embodiment disclosed in FIG. 17, thehandle 14′ is connected to the brush head 12′ through the use of atraditional swivel connection. Where a swivel is utilized as with theembodiment disclosed with reference to FIG. 17, stops may be employed soas to control the permitted rotation and aid individuals in the use ofthe present brush.

In accordance with the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 2, the handle 14 isfixedly connected to the brush head 12 through the use of a key lockmechanism interposed between the handle 14 and the brush head 12. Thebrush head may similarly be connected through the use of a typical screwthread design or glue/weld design. While specific mechanisms areproposed above (and in the following discussion) for the connection ofthe brush head to the handle, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate the various ways in which the handle may be connected to thebrush head without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

With reference to the brush head 12 in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention (see FIGS. 1 to 3), the brush head12 includes a central core member 16. The central core member 16includes a top surface 18, a bottom surface 20, a rear surface 22 and afront surface 24. The central core member 16 also includes a first sidesurface 26 extending between the top surface 18 and the bottom surface20 and a second side surface 28 extending between the top surface 18 andthe bottom surface 20. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the central coremember 16 is substantially circular in cross section. However, it iscontemplated that the central core member may also be structured with asubstantially rectangular cross section. The use of a cylindricalcentral core member reduces the weight of the central core member andreduces the cost of manufacture associated with the central core member.

The brush head 12 further includes bristles 30 extending from the topsurface 18, bottom surface 20 and front surface 24 of the central coremember 16. The bristles 30 extending from the forward portion 32 of thetop surface 18 are cut to define an upper brushing surface 34 at distalends of the bristles 30. The upper brushing surface 34 is angled to beapproximately 5° to 20° relative to the central longitudinal axis 35,and preferably 13°. Similarly, the bristles extending from the forwardportion 36 of the bottom surface 20 are shaped to define a lowerbrushing surface 38 at distal ends of the bristles 30. The lowerbrushing surface 38 is also approximately 5° to 20° relative to thecentral longitudinal axis 35, and preferably 13°.

The effectiveness of the present brush 10 is further enhanced by thebristles (or lack thereof) at positions along a rear portion 42 of boththe top surface 18 and bottom surface 20 of the central core member 16.Specifically, the rear portion 42 of the top surface 18 is free ofbristles. By providing a rear portion 42 of the top surface 18 which isfree of bristles, the weight of the present brush 10 is substantiallyreduced, enhancing the overall positioning flexibility, usability andversatility of the present brush 10.

The rear portion 42 of the bottom surface 20 is similarly configured toenhance the usefulness and versatility of the present brush 10.Specifically, the rear portion 42 of the bottom surface is provided withbristles 30. However, the bristles are cut so as to define a secondarylower brushing surface 44 which is substantially parallel to the centrallongitudinal axis 35 of the central core member 16. By orienting thesecondary lower brushing surface 44 in this manner, the brush 10 isconfigured so as to facilitate ease of use on further surfaces in amanner which will be discussed below in greater detail.

As mentioned above, the upper and lower brushing surfaces 34, 38 areoriented at angles of approximately 5° to 20° relative to the centrallongitudinal axis 35. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the upper brushing surface 34 is approximately 13°relative to the central longitudinal axis 35 and the lower brushingsurface 38 is approximately 13° relative to the central longitudinalaxis 35.

With regard to the handle 14, it is also shaped to enhance theusefulness of the present brush 10 and provide for optimal versatility.With this in mind, the handle 10 is generally S-shaped. Specifically,the handle 10 includes a distal segment 46 directly coupled to the rearsurface 22 of the central core member 16, a proximal segment 48 remotefrom the rear surface 22 of the central core member 16 and a centralsegment 50 connecting the distal segment 46 to the proximal segment 48.

The distal segment 46 is substantially aligned with the centrallongitudinal axis 35 of the central core member 16, and the centralsegment 50 and proximal segment 48 extend therefrom. In accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central segment 50is oriented at an angle of approximately 125° relative to the distalsegment 46 and the central segment 50 is oriented at an angle ofapproximately 160° relative to the proximal segment 48. While specificangular orientations are disclosed herein, those skilled in the art willappreciate the variation in those orientations which might be employedto expand upon the versatility and usefulness of the present brush.

The handle 12 is further provided with various gripping surfaces 52. Thegripping surfaces 52 may be knurled or textured to enhance theusefulness of the present brush. The usefulness of the various grippingsurfaces 52 will become apparent as the functionality of the presentbrush 10 is described below in detail. Specifically, a first grippingsurface 54 is provided in the rear side 56 of the central segment 50 ata position adjacent the proximal segment 48 of the handle 12. A secondgripping surface 58 is provided on the rear side 60 of the proximalsegment 48 adjacent the central segment 50 of the handle 14. The secondgripping surface 58 is further provided with a cooperating thumb recess62 formed along the front side 64 of the proximal segment 48. A hangingloop 66 is also provided at the free end of the proximal segment 48.

A handle 612 with ergonomic gripping surfaces 652 is disclosed withreference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. As with the embodiment described above,the handle 612 is provided with various gripping surfaces 652. Thegripping surfaces 652 may be knurled or textured to enhance theusefulness of the present brush. The usefulness of the various grippingsurfaces 652 will become apparent as the functionality of the presentbrush is described below in detail. Specifically, a first grippingsurface 654 is provided on the central segment 650 at a positionadjacent the proximal segment 648 of the handle 612. A second grippingsurface 658 is provided along the proximal segment 648 adjacent thecentral segment 650 of the handle 612. In general, the second grippingsurface 658 is provided with a series of protrusions 661 along the rearsurface 660 of the proximal segment 648. The second gripping surface 658is further provided with a cooperating thumb recess 663 formed along thefront side 665 of the proximal segment 648. A hanging loop 666 is alsoprovided at the free end of the proximal segment 648.

More specifically, the first gripping surface 654, along the rear side656 of the central segment 650, includes a series of protrusion 662shaped and dimensioned for receipt of an individual's fingers. The firstgripping surface 654 is supplemented by the provision of a pair oflateral recesses 664 along the sides of the central segment 650. Thelateral recesses 664 extend along the longitudinal axis of the centralsegment 650 and assist the user as he or she grips the first grippingsurface 654. The lateral recesses 664 allow the user to place the tipsof his or her fingers within the sides of the central segment 650. Assuch, a user may grip the first gripping surface 654 at a variety oforientations while still encountering a gripping recess facilitatingsecure gripping of the handle 612.

With regard to the second gripping surface 658, it is provided at theproximal segment 648 of the handle 612. The second gripping surface 658includes a cooperating thumb recess 663 formed along the front side 665of the proximal segment 648. The second gripping surface 658 alsoincludes lateral recesses 668 extending along the sides of the proximalsegment 648. The lateral recesses 668 extend longitudinally along theproximal segment 648 and provide an ideal surface for gripping by theuser. In particular, the lateral recesses 668 provide an ideal leveragesurface by which an individual can support the brush as he or sheorients the brush in a variety of orientations. As such, a user's thumb,or other fingers, may be placed within the lateral recesses 668,creating a leverage point enabling a user to rotate the handle 612 to adesired orientation without creating undue stress upon the hands of theuser. For example, when a user wishes to reorient the brush by rotatingit 90° or 180°, he or she may simply place the gripping thumb within thelateral recess 668 creating a leverage point for the ready rotation ofthe brush to a desired orientation. As discussed above, the secondgripping surface 658 also includes a series of protrusions 661 along therear surface 660 of the proximal segment 648. With this in mind, theuser may grip his hand around the handle and engage the recesses duringuse of the handle.

The shape and depth of the thumb recess 663 and the lateral recesses 668may be varied to suit specific users. In addition, and in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thumb recess663 and the lateral recesses 668 each include pronounced sidewallsproviding a user with leverage as he or she places fingers within therecesses 663, 668.

In particular, and with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the user may gripthe second gripping surface 658 with the palm of his or her handextending over the rear side 660 of the proximal segment 648 such thatthe user's thumb sits within one of the lateral recesses 668 while thehanging loop 666 abuts the rear surface of the user's hand. In this way,an ideal support structure is provided through the engagement of thehanging loop 666 and lateral recess 668 respectively with the palm andthumb of the user. In addition, the fingers of the user wrap around thehandle and engage the opposed lateral recess 668 for facilitating securehandling of the brush.

Further handling orientations are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. As thoseskilled in the art will certainly appreciate the different handorientations are permitted via the combination of the front side thumbrecess and the lateral gripping recesses of the handle.

As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the recesses maybe formed with various shapes to improve the aesthetic characteristicsso long as the recesses are sufficiently deep to provide a user with asurface in which he or she may plant his or her hand during use.

The usefulness of the present brush 10 is further enhanced by alteringthe details associated with the junction between the upper and lowerbrushing surfaces 34, 38 and the side brushing surfaces 68, 70.Specifically, and as briefly discussed above, the central core member 16further includes a first side surface 26 extending between the topsurface 18 and the bottom surface 20 and a second side surface 28extending between the top surface 18 and the bottom surface 20, thebrush head 12 further includes bristles 30 extending from the first sidesurface 26 and the second side surface 28, wherein the bristles 30extending from the first side surface 26 define a first side brushingsurface 68 and the bristles 30 extending from the second side surface 28define a second side brushing surface 70.

In accordance with a first embodiment disclosed with reference to FIGS.1 and 3, the intersection of the first side brushing surface 68 with therespective upper brushing surface 34 and lower brushing surface 38 issquared so as to define pointed corner surfaces. Similarly, theintersection of the second side brushing surface 70 with the respectiveupper brushing surface 34 and lower brushing surface 38 is squared so asto define pointed corner surfaces.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the brush 110 as disclosedwith reference to FIG. 4 to 6, the intersection of the first sidebrushing surface 168 with the respective upper brushing surface 134 andlower brushing surface 138 is rounded so as to define rounded cornersurfaces. Similarly, the intersection of the second side brushingsurface 170 with the respective upper brushing surface 134 and lowerbrushing surface 138 is rounded so as to define rounded corner surfaces.

As the various embodiments of the present brush 10, 110 are adapted foruse in performing different functions, it is further contemplated thatbrushes 10, 110 will be constructed in various lengths. In accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rounded edgebrushes disclosed with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, will be constructedwith a length of approximately 30″, while the square edged brushes (seeFIGS. 1 to 3) will be constructed with a length of approximately 28″.However, those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate otherlengths that may be employed without departing from the spirit of thepresent invention.

In addition to the specific multipurpose brushes 10, 110 describedabove, the present invention also relates to a set of brushes 200allowing for multipurpose cleaning (see FIG. 14). The set of brushes 200is generally composed of three brushes designed to take care of a seriesof applications. For example, a first set of brushes in accordance withthe present invention is designed for assisting an individual to conducta complete cleaning of a bathtub and the surrounding area, while asecond set of brushes is designed for assisting an individual to conducta complete cleaning of a toilet and the surrounding area.

In general, the set of brushes 200 is composed of a first brush 210including a brush head 212 and a handle 214 coupled to and extendingfrom the brush head 212. The brush head 212 includes a central coremember 216. As with the embodiment disclosed with reference to FIGS. 1to 3, the central core member 216 includes a top surface, a bottomsurface, a first side surface extending between the top surface and thebottom surface, a second side surface extending between the top surfaceand the bottom surface, a rear surface and a front surface. The centralcore member 216 also includes a central longitudinal axis. The brushhead 212 further includes bristles 230 extending from the top surface,bottom surface, first side surface, second side surface and frontsurface of the central core member 216. The bristles 230 extending fromthe top surface define an upper brushing surface 234 at distal ends ofthe bristles 230. The bristles 230 extending from the bottom surfacedefine a lower brushing surface 238. The bristles 230 extending from thefirst side surface 268 define a first side brushing surface and thebristles 230 extending from the second side surface define a second sidebrushing surface 270. The intersection of the first side brushingsurface 268 with the respective upper brushing surface 270 and lowerbrushing surface 238 is squared so as to define pointed corner surfaceswith the intersection of the second side brushing surface 270 and therespective upper brushing surface 234 and lower brushing surface 238 issquared so as to define pointed corner surfaces.

As to the second brush 310, it includes a brush head 312 and a handlecoupled 314 to and extending from the brush head 312. The brush headincludes a central core member 316. As with the embodiment disclosedwith reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the central core member 316 includes atop surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface extending betweenthe top surface and the bottom surface, a second side surface extendingbetween the top surface and the bottom surface, a rear surface and afront surface. The central core member 316 also includes a centrallongitudinal axis. The brush head 312 further includes bristles 330extending from the top surface, bottom surface, first side surface,second side surface and front surface of the central core member 316.The bristles 330 extending from the top surface define an upper brushingsurface 334 at distal ends of the bristles. The bristles 330 extendingfrom the bottom surface define a lower brushing surface 338. Thebristles 330 extending from the first side surface define a first sidebrushing surface 368 and the bristles 330 extending from the second sidesurface define a second side brushing surface 370. The intersection ofthe first side brushing surface 368 with the respective upper brushingsurface 334 and lower brushing surface 338 is rounded so as to definerounded corner surfaces and the intersection of the second side brushingsurface 370 with the respective upper brushing surface 334 and lowerbrushing surface 338 is rounded so as to define rounded corner surfaces.

The third brush 410 includes a brush head 412 with a central core member416 and bristles 430 extending therefrom and a handle 414 coupled to andextending from the brush head. However, the handle is at least 40%shorter than handles of the first and second brushes.

With regard to the first and second brushes 210, 310 the construction ofthe brush heads and handles is similar to that disclosed with referenceto the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 6. As such, these brushes aredesigned for ease of use and application in achieving a wide variety offunctions. As to the third brush 410, it may adopt the constructionelements applied in the embodiment disclosed with reference to FIGS. 1to 6, or it may be otherwise designed as those skilled in the art willcertainly appreciate.

With regard to the set of brushes designed for cleaning a bathtub andthe surrounding area, the set is composed of a 30″ second brush 310having rounded edges, a 28″ first brush 210 having squared edges and athird brush 410 specifically designed for cleaning a sink top. Inparticular, the rounded edges of the 30″ second brush 310 are applied tothis brush as it is intended for use in cleaning the inside and surroundof the bathtub itself. The square edges of the 28″ first brush 210 areapplied to this brush as it is intended for cleaning the flooringsurrounding the bathtub or the flat surface of the floor within thebathtub or the floor and walls of a stall shower.

With regard to the set of brushes designed for cleaning a toilet and thesurrounding area, the set is composed of a 30″ second brush (withtelescoping handle and circular head, see FIG. 16) 310 having roundededges, a 28″ first brush 210 having square edges and a third brush 410specifically designed for cleaning the top of toilet. In particular, therounded edges of the 30″ second brush 310 are applied to this brush asit is intended for use in cleaning the inside of the toilet itself. Thesquare edges of the 28″ brush 210 are applied to this brush as it isintended for cleaning the flooring surrounding the toilet.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, and asshown in FIG. 16, the brush 510 may be designed to provide for readyadjustment of the handle 514 length. Specifically, the central segment550 is split to define a handle 514 including a first member 572 and asecond member 574. The first and second members 572, 574 are selectivelycoupled so as to permit adjustment of the length of the handle 514. Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefirst member 572 is telescopically received within the second member 574and a locking member 576 along the second member 574 is used to lock thefirst and second members 572, 574 relative to each other.

As discussed above, the brushes of the present invention are adapted fora wide range of uses. As shown in FIG. 15, the angled head of the brushallows one to readily clean a variety of horizontal, vertical or angledsurfaces without unduly exerting the user of the brush.

The brush head's final trim may vary slightly from that presented in theattached drawings, depending upon the specific surface or area, in thebathroom or kitchen, it is configured to scrub clean.

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it willbe understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by suchdisclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications andalternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

1. An ergonomic handle for a multipurpose brush, comprising: a gripping surface having a series of protrusions along a rear surface of the handle, a thumb recess formed along a front side of the handle and first and second opposed lateral recesses extending along sides of the proximal segment.
 2. The ergonomic handle according to claim 1, wherein the first and second lateral recesses extend longitudinally along the handle.
 3. The ergonomic handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle is S-shaped.
 4. The ergonomic handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle includes a loop at a distal end thereof.
 5. An ergonomic handle for a multipurpose brush, comprising: a first gripping surface including a series of protrusions along a rear side of the handle and first and second opposed lateral recesses along sides of the handle. a second gripping surface having a series of protrusions along a rear surface of the handle, a thumb recess formed along a front side of the handle and first and second opposed lateral recesses extending along sides of the proximal segment.
 6. The ergonomic handle according to claim 5, wherein the first and second lateral recesses of the second gripping surface extend longitudinally along the handle.
 7. The ergonomic handle according to claim 5, wherein the handle is S-shaped.
 8. The ergonomic handle according to claim 7, wherein the first gripping surface is angular oriented relative to the second gripping surface.
 9. The ergonomic handle according to claim 7, wherein the handle includes a proximal segment, a distal segment and a central segment, and the first gripping surface is oriented upon the central segment and the second gripping surface is oriented upon the proximal segment.
 10. The ergonomic handle according to claim 5, wherein the handle includes a loop at a distal end thereof.
 11. The ergonomic handle according to claim 5, wherein the second gripping surface includes a series of protrusions along a rear surface of the handle. 